NCIS Viewers have been warned: don't miss the first few minutes of the September 22 premiere!

We may finally know the reason:

In an image from the episode, obtained by TV Guide Magazine, Tony DiNozzo, look to be tied to the same chair that held Ziva in the final scene of May's finale.

Good luck trying to determine the reason why, as NCIS executive producer Shane Brennan says: "If you think you know why DiNozzo is tied to a chair, be prepared for a shocking surprise."

We can also report that premiere involves some time-jumping, which explains how DiNozzo is also interviewing replacements for Ziva in D.C during the opening hour of the new season.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.